and conservative writer byron york writes, quote, republicans will cave. part of the reason for the shift is the president is staying strong on this issue. he did just -- he did that to just now and won an election. also, americans are saying clearly who they blame if the two sides don't reach a deal before the end of the year. take a look at this. a new poll shows republicans will take the blame if a deal isn't reached and we go over the fiscal cliff. 53% say it's on republicans. half that, 27%, will blame the president. this is progress. this is change. if president obama can break republicans on tax increases, this could redefine american politics. it would help to change our politics in very important ways. and who knows what else may be possible. joining me now is krystal ball and richard wolffe. thank you for being here tonight. >> thanks, reverend. >> thanks, reverend. krystal, how big a moment will it be if the president gets the republicans to cave on tax increases? >> i mean, it really is sort of hard to understate how significant that would be.